Now we all know that traffic flow isn’t one of Dubai’s strengths. However those who bemoan the mile-long tailbacks on the Sheikh Zayed Road during rush hour may wish to look away now, because things this weekend are about to get a whole lot worse.

Several key roads in and around the Emirate will be closed and diversions put in place from February 5 for four days as one of the leading events on the cycling calendar takes place.

The Dubai Tour will feature some of the sports biggest names, including Mark Cavendish, but bring chaos to the areas around Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Jumeirah Road. Schools could also be closed on Thursday.

A spokesman for the Dubai Police said: “We are calling on the Ministry of Education and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority [KHDA] in Dubai to announce Thursday as day off for schools to avoid having the students stuck in traffic,” adding that “access roads leading to the routes used by cyclists will be closed too.”

According to Gulf News, more than 70 traffic police patrols and 85 police personnel will be deployed during the event, which will see roads closed from 11am-4pm on most days.

Full details of the closures can be seen below, as can a video.

STAGE 1: Wednesday, February 5
The tour kicks off at Dubai World Trade Centre at 1pm and will pass through DIFC, the Boulevard and Burj Khalifa. Sheikh Zayed Road will be closed, as will roads that lead to Dubai Mall, and part of Al Khail Road. Normal service should resume at around 4.30pm.

STAGE 2: Thursday, February 6.
An earlier start on day two, sees the race start at 11.20am and head from World Trade Centre out along Zabeel Road, Meydan Road, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Umm Suqueim Road, Al Sufouh Road, Emirates Hills and The Atlantis; Palm Jumeirah. All roads will be closed during the race, until 4.30pm.

STAGE 3: Friday, February 7
Another early start (10.30am) for riders who will head from the usual starting point and travel along Airport Road, Khawaneej Road, Emirates Road, Al Hubab Road before ending in Hatta. All roads included on this stage will be part open.

 STAGE 4: Saturday, February 8
The final day of chaos starts at 11.3oam and will take in Sheikh Zayed Road, Baniyas Road, Al Seef Road, Al Ras, Al Shindagha Road, Al Diwan Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Orouba Road and Burj Plaza.